HF 3110

as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 02/13/2020 04:48pm

A bill for an act
relating to transportation; requiring a light rail transit safety assessment; requiring
a report; appropriating money.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SAFETY ASSESSMENT.
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new text begin (a) The Metropolitan Council must contract with an independent entity to perform a
comprehensive assessment of public safety on the light rail transit system and options to
increase safety. The entity must have expertise in transit and safety issues, including
experience performing the types of analysis required under this section.
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new text begin (b) At a minimum, the assessment must include:
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new text begin (1) a summary of recent history and trends in criminal activity throughout the light rail
transit system;
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new text begin (2) identification of likely causes of crime rate increases on the light rail transit system;
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new text begin (3) evaluation of the methodology used by the Metropolitan Council for crime data
collection;
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new text begin (4) analysis of coordination between the Metropolitan Council, other law enforcement
agencies, and local units of government;
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new text begin (5) a review of methods to reduce fare evasion, loitering, and behavior of individuals
and groups that negatively impacts the rider experience;
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new text begin (6) analysis and evaluation of:
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new text begin (i) increasing the number and expanding the presence of peace officers;
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new text begin (ii) mandating peace officer issuance of citations instead of warnings;
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new text begin (iii) authorizing fare inspectors who are not licensed peace officers;
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new text begin (iv) establishing new penalties and increasing penalties for violations while on the light
rail transit system;
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new text begin (v) expanding surveillance and response capabilities, including but not limited to real-time
monitoring at stations and onboard trains;
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new text begin (vi) creating paid fare zones in light rail transit stations, with accompanying penalties
for violations;
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new text begin (vii) establishing a barrier system to access trains and waiting areas at light rail transit
stations, whether at all or a number of stations; and
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new text begin (viii) expanding social services activities;
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new text begin (7) evaluation of methods implemented by the Metropolitan Council to analyze and
reduce criminal activity; and
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new text begin (8) recommendations for changes to state law and the Metropolitan Council's procedures
or practices.
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new text begin (c) By February 15, 2021, the Metropolitan Council must a submit a safety report to the
chairs, ranking minority members, and staff of the legislative committees with jurisdiction
over transportation policy and finance. The report must include a copy of the independent
safety assessment, a review of relevant changes planned or implemented by the Metropolitan
Council, and comments regarding the findings and recommendations of the assessment.
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new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICATION. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following
final enactment and applies in the counties of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey,
Scott, and Washington.
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Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION; SAFETY ASSESSMENT.
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new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2020 is appropriated from the general fund to the Metropolitan
Council for the safety assessment under section 1.
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new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
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